Foundation Honors Veterans With Laptops

April 05, 2009|Submitted by Kathleen Burns

In a ceremony described as "unbelievably moving" by the foundation's founder, John Niekrash, Work Vessels for Vets, honored 11 veterans donating laptop computers to each soldier during a presentation March 17. The presentation was part of the ongoing efforts of Work Vessels for Vets (WVFV) to recognize and meet the needs of veterans embarking on civilian careers.

"We knew that the first boat was just the start last year," said Niekrash, who began this effort with the donation of his lobster boat to returning Marine Richard Giguere last April in a ceremony attended by Sen. Joseph Lieberman. "We realized that people from all walks of life wanted to be a part and provide other 'vessels' or methods of assistance to our returning veterans."

Enter Ted Knapp, President of Green Technology Recycling, Essington, Pa., & Kimberly Crew of Computer Systems and Solutions, Philadelphia, Pa., who donated all of the laptop computers. GTR, a firm specializing in buying back and refurbishing computers, has donated a portion of each of their projects to WVFV. Novartis Pharmaceuticals also donated the mice and headphones to the package.

The foundation requested that interested veterans send a letter outlining their needs and plans for the computer. Participating in the search were members of the Connecticut Department of Labor Office for Veterans Work force Development, who themselves are veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As the letters poured in, requests came from veterans who had often served on multiple-deployments, who were injured and prohibited from returning to pre-service careers and many who were enrolling in college.

At the event, each of the recipients spoke of their service, their country and of their appreciation for those willing to help them adjust to civilian life.

The veterans receiving computers were:

Glenwood Anderson of Oxford, Carla M. Arroyo Vega of New Britain, David Castro Jr. of Wolcott, James Charles of Waterbury, Jennifer Delgado of Plainville, Tyeona Fletcher of Waterbury, Patrick Hackett of Torrington, David Perrotti of Torrington, Edwin Rivera of New Britain, Matthew T. Rossi of Prospect and Juan Manual Sanchez of New Britain.

"Listening to these dedicated young men and women, just inspires you to do as much as you can to help," reflected Niekrash.

Also lending his voice to the effort, Hall of Fame rocker Dave Mason, a founding member of "Traffic," signed onto the foundation's board and has been promoting the organizations' efforts nationally at each of his concerts. Mason participated in the ceremony.

"We wish we could help each request we receive," said Niekrash. "So we're cultivating partners from other industries, so we can respond to requests for other disciplines such as construction or automotive."